Obituary of Herman Henry Berges

Herman Henry Berges March 06, 1925 - November 19, 2014 Herman Henry Berges, 89, longtime resident of La Porte and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died November 19, 2014, surrounded by numerous loving family members. “Brother B,” as he was affectionately called, led a life of devoted service to God, his country, his church, and his family. His commitment began in earnest during World War II after making a “foxhole promise” to God that if his life were spared, he would serve God for as long as he lived. This he did. Herman was also awarded the Silver Star for bravery in action under enemy fire. Born in Burlington, Iowa, and having a passion for science, Herman earned a BS degree in chemistry from Iowa State University. He worked for various chemical manufacturing companies in 4 states, eventually retiring from Dow Chemical in Deer Park after 23 years of service. He and his beloved wife, Arlene Dunham Berges, then served a Church Temple Mission for two years in Dallas. He also served for many years in the Houston Temple. Brother B was also known as Bishop B, having served for six years as bishop, or head, of his local Pasadena congregation. For the last 17 years, he served as patriarch of the Houston, Texas East Stake, having given numerous patriarchal blessings to church members. In 1992, he and his wife received the La Porte Centennial Committee Award. They also volunteered at the Lou Lawler Seafarers’ Center and the La Porte Library. Herman was also president of the Friends of the La Porte Library Association, Director of the La Porte Cemetery for many years, and played in various bands and musical groups. He was a shining example of integrity, saying he could not sleep at night if he made an intentional wrong choice. He especially loved all children and youth, who in return loved him, so he was a happy man with 50 grandchildren and 64 great-grandchildren. “Grandpa B” is survived by his devoted wife, Arlene, and their nine children: Melanie Ferguson and husband, Ira, of Baytown; Stephen M Smith and wife, Kathy, of La Porte; David Berges and wife, Karen, of Houston, Timothy Berges and wife, Nancy, of Cleveland; Terry Ellen Smith of Deer Park, Robyn Fox and husband, Robert, of Weimar; Stephen Henry Berges and wife, Nancy, of Katy, Terri Dorsey of La Porte; Amy Prigmore and husband, Jay, of La Porte. Herman was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor Miller Berges, son Jamie Smith, his parents Carl Henry Berges and Emily Fillman Berges, and all six of his siblings. Family will receive Friends, Sunday Nov. 23, 2014, from 6-8 pm at Paul U Lee funeral home in La Porte. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2014 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4202 Yellowstone in Pasadena, 77504. Interment will follow at the La Porte Cemetery.